Last spring, St. Cloud Cathedral senior John Hirschfeld got a taste of what a post-high school career could be after playing with the Lincoln Stars, a team in the United States Hockey League — a top junior league overseen by governing body USA Hockey.

Hirschfeld, who verbally committed to Vermont, isn’t sure he will continue at the USHL level. The forward is preparing to play with Austin of the North American Hockey League, also overseen by USA Hockey, after St. Cloud Cathedral’s season ends.

He is also the third brother to play for St. Cloud Cathedral. Jeron, a former defenseman, was the oldest. Next up was Jacob, a forward who won a state title as a sophomore in 2019.

“I’ve seen it a lot where the youngest player is the best athlete,” Cathedral coach Robbie Stocker said. “They have to compete with their brothers, and that experience has made John tougher and grittier.”

It’s also helped him become the Star Tribune’s inaugural All-Minnesota Player of the Year in boys hockey.

For more on Hirschfeld, click here to read the story on startribune.com.